Ratchet wrench spinner



Oct 7, 1952 N-r I 2,612,807

RATCHET WRENCH SPINNER Filed Nov. 17, i947 U flJZflzznZ l1 H I I A INVENTOR BY W. 4 ATTORNEYS.

out departing from the spirit of Patented Oct. 7, 1952 RATCHET WRENCH SPINNER,

Ralph R. Hunt, Haddonfield, N. J.

Application November 1'7, 1947, Serial No. 786,388

(Cl. 8l--58.1)

1 Claim.

This invention relates to an attachment designed for use in connection with socket wrenches, preferably of the ratchet type.

The primary object of the invention is to provide an attachment which may be readily and easily positioned over one end of an extension socket of a socket wrench, whereby the extension socket may be rotated rapidly independently of the usual socket wrench handle, for rapidly removing a nut or bolt after the gripping action between the threads of the nut or bolt has been broken by the wrench proper, or to rapidly position a nut by spinning the socket wrench extension to a position where it is finally tightened on its bolt by the wrench handle.

A still further object of the invention is to provide means for rotating an extension socket of a wrench after the nut rotated by the socket of the wrench has been so loosened that the wrench ceases to operate as a ratchet wrench.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel details of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter more fully described and pointed out in the claim, it being understood that changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts withthe invention. Referring to the drawing: Figure 1 is an elevational view, the spinner head, forming the essence of the present invention, being shown in section.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an extension socket wherein the spinner head is mounted thereon.

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the pivotal spinner head.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view through a modified form of the invention, showing the spinner head formed integral therewith.

Referring to the drawing in detail, the reference character 5 indicates the usual ratchet wrench handle, the reference character 6 indicating the ratchet head of the wrench.

As is usual in ratchet head construction, the ratchet head is formed with a square socket intermediate the square extension 1 of an extension socket member 8, the extension socket 8 being formed with a shoulder 9 against which the spinner Ill engages when positioned on the socket 8. Spring pressed balls ID are provided, securing the head 6 to the socket member 8.

The spinner I is formed with a square opening I I so that the extension 1 may pass therethrough and the spinner will be locked against rotary movement with respect to the socket 8.

The head 6 is provided with ratchet balls 12, whereby the operation of' the handle as a ratchet wrench will be permitted.

As shown, the spinner I0 is of circular formation and is substantially large, the periphery thereof being grooved as at 13, providing a roughened surface so that it may be gripped by a 2 mechanic and rotated, even if the mechanics fingers are coated with grease.

In the wrench, as shown by Fig. 4 of the drawing, the wrench head is supplied with a spinner indicated at M, which is formed integral therewith. In this form of the invention, the spinner I5 may be rotated independently of the wrench to quickly remove or replace a nut.

In the use of the device, should it be desired to remove a nut in a restricted area wherein it is impossible to use the ordinary wrench, the socket member 8 is positioned with the socket thereof over the nut to be removed. The spinner I0 is now positioned over the extension 1 and the ratchet wrench operated to loosen the connection between the threads of the nut being removed from its bolt. The nut may now be freely operated by the operator operating the spinner Ill and eliminating the necessity of continuing the use of the ratchet wrench in removing the nut.

The device may be eifectively used in positioning a nut over a bolt, the nut beingrapidly rotated by the spinner to move the same to a position for tightening on the bolt. When the nut reaches this position the ratchet wrench may be brought into play to tighten the nut.

It might be further stated that frequently when removing a nut, the nut will turn freely to a certain point, and then it will be necessary to use a wrench to further rotate the nut. With the device as shown by applicant, when the wrench has been rotated by the fingers of the operator moving the spinner l0, and the nut binds, because of distortion of the threads or foreign matter on the threads, the wrench may immediately be operated to force the nut over the damaged portion of the thread. The spinner may again be rotated to quickly remove the nut.

Having thus described the invention What is claimed is:

A slack wheel for a socket wrench having a projecting socket engaging member having a spring pressed ball therein, said slack wheel comprising a very thin disc having an out-turned flange formed on the periphery thereof and at right angles thereto, said flange being of undulating form, said disc having a square opening therein for registering with the socket engaging member of a socket wrench, the square opening in said disc cooperating with said spring pressed ball to retain the disc on the socket engaging member.

RALPH R. HUNT.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

